La Charente Maritime/Bahia Transat 6.50 - Raison takes the win

The victor has now been decided in the 2011 La Charente Maritime/Bahia Transat 6.50. A thrilled David Raison sailed by the committee boat just before 8:00pm this evening to take line honors and the win for the event.

His sailing time along the 3,120 mile course is 17 days, six hours, 13 minutes and 32 seconds, at an average speed of 7.53 knots. He beats Yves le Blévec’s record time on this specific leg by 23 minutes. His overall time on both legs of the race is 26 days, three hours, nine minutes and 40 seconds, at an average speed of 6.80 knots.

'This is my fourth try on this race. I come out a winner, and in full day light. It’s been a tough one, for me and for everyone else. Yes, I've had my doubts, when I was ahead by a hundred miles and hit a windless spot. I thought everybody was passing me. Some other time I had to step on the brakes real hard when the boat was slamming away, and yet, I was gaining on everybody. Yes indeed I have the feeling that my boat is like a kick in a bees nest of naval designers. The question is whether or not we'll see 60 footers based on my design. This I do not know. There's so much to study. All along the race I've tried to follow the advice a former 'Minist' once told me: Rigor and discipline. Then you get the job done! But what a joy to be here and to see you all! This has been the toughest race of all.'